"Virtualization Technologies and Architectures"
"Virtualization Technologies and Architectures" presents an in-depth, authoritative exploration of the principles, architectures, and evolving paradigms that define modern virtualization and its pivotal role in today’s IT landscape. Beginning with a historical foundation, the book systematically traces the development of virtualization—from its origins in mainframe partitioning to its central position in contemporary enterprise and cloud computing. Readers are introduced to essential concepts, terminology, and a comprehensive taxonomy of virtualization, establishing a strong baseline for understanding the rationale, efficiency, security, and flexibility that virtualization brings to computing environments.
With a technical yet accessible approach, the book delves into the architectural nuances of virtual machines, hypervisors, and containers, detailing their designs, resource management strategies, and the mechanisms that ensure robust isolation and security. Specialized chapters examine state-of-the-art topics such as hardware-assisted virtualization, network and storage virtualization, and the contrasting approaches of full and paravirtualization. The work further investigates the intricacies of OS-level virtualization technologies, including containers and microVMs, uncovering the underlying Linux kernel primitives, orchestration systems like Kubernetes, and emergent models for lightweight and secure computation.
Beyond core technologies, this comprehensive volume addresses critical operational aspects such as performance optimization, dynamic resource allocation, and the orchestration and automation of virtualized infrastructure. Advanced discussions cover security threat modeling, side-channel defenses, compliance best practices, and cutting-edge trends shaping the future—including confidential computing, serverless architectures, virtualization at the edge, and sustainable infrastructure designs. "Virtualization Technologies and Architectures" is an indispensable resource for architects, engineers, and technology leaders seeking a holistic and forward-looking understanding of the virtualized world.
